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Family Holiday In Greece

We experience traditional Greece on this relaxing cruise around the quiet coves and harbours of Evia Island. Join our captain, Thanos, on board a traditional Greek motorised sailing boat and explore the forts and ruins scattered along this historic coastline. Along the way we drop anchor at tranquil fishing villages and visit the local taverna to sample the delicious local Mediterranean cuisine.

Tour Highlights

Staying on a boat - Cruise around the beautiful Greek island of Evia for 6 nights on a traditional wooden boat

Swimming - In the warm, azure waters of the Aegean Sea, straight from the boat

Snorkelling - Search rocky coves for signs of sea life

Thanos - Our boat captain prides himself on showing the best parts of Greece that he used to sail around as a boy

Meeting local people - have dinner in family run tavernas by the waterfront

Itinerary

1

Join Athens airport and transfer to caique on Evia

Join trip at Athens International Airport. Transfer by bus to Rafina for a ferry to Evia. On arrival, there is a short taxi / minibus ride to where the Caique is moored. Thanos, our boat captain, has been working with Explore for many years and prides himself on showing the best parts of Greece to the many Explore customers that have travelled with him over the years. Discovering many places that he himself used to sail around as a boy, he is a very proud Greek and loves nothing more than to captain his boat that he owns around the beautiful waters of the Aegean.

Please note; three lunches are provided during this week although it will not be known on what day it actually is taken based upon sailing timings.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
None

2

To Karystos via a stop to explore the hills above the town

Our first destination is the bay of Karystos via a stop close to Bouros with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the amazing clear waters of the Aegean. We then have our first lunch on-board with the afternoon set aside for exploring the hills above Karystos. We can visit the Venetian mountain castle of Castello Rosso in Gourna which is a well preserved 4th crusade fortresses that commands the sea corridor between Asia and Europe, the entry to the Black Sea. Alternatively, you may wish to spend some time on the beach which is a few minutes' walk from where the boat anchors. Dinner tonight will be in one of the beautiful seaside tavernas on the promenade.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

3

Cruise to Porto Buffalo, sailing later that day to Eretria.

Today we will cruise to the Gulf of Evia, where the island splits from the mainland. Greek legends romantically claim that the divide was caused by Poseidon piercing the earth with his trident. We travel via Porto Buffalo, a small fishing village port in southern Evia renowned for its fresh fish, the port hosts a beautiful and private lagoon where we spend time at the sandy beach or if you wish, why not practice jumping off the boat from the top deck into the turquoise Aegean Sea.

We continue at a leisurely pace cruising to Eretria, one of the most well known cities of ancient Greece and the birthplace of our alphabet. The town boasts an extensive archaeological site with a superb museum. We enjoy our evening in the long cosmopolitan promenade watching the small ferries coming and going to the mainland.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast

4

Spend the morning in Eretria, cruise to Nea Styra in the afternoon

We make the most of the mornings perfect location with a visit to the museum and the towns archaeological site along with time to wander along the boulevard where you will find many gift shops. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to go for a swim and snorkel before cruising towards Nea Styra. This area has a number of stunning beaches and boasts a beautiful coastline with clear waters inviting you to swim and snorkel. The rolling hills above Nea Styra lead to a silver-green valley of olive trees where we have the opportunity to explore in the afternoon. As the sun sets in the historic bay of Marathon, the promenade comes to life with all the locals and visitors experiencing a typical Mediterranean stroll before dining alfresco.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

5

Swim and snorkel in Nea Styra. In the afternoon cruise to Figias and on to Marmari.

After a leisurely start to the day, we set sail and cruise towards Figias and onto Marmari, a typical Aegean fishing village with numerous tavernas and cafes dotted along the promenade. There is ample opportunity to swim and snorkel off the boat close to the rocky shores.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast

6

Cruise to Petali Islands for swimming and on to Karystos

This morning we cruise towards the archipelagos of Petali, where seven private and exclusive islands offer the best of a 'jet set' life in the Aegean. Once the summer residence of the Greek royal family, today it is the playground of the Picasso family, the Embiricos ship owners, and other such tycoons. Maria Calas, one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century, spent many summers here and we drop anchor to enjoy the good life ourselves with opportunities to swim, snorkel or just relax on the deck amongst the rich and famous. In the late afternoon we set sail for Karystos.

Overnight: Simple Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

7

Return Karystos via Bouros Bay

We make our way back slowly to Karystos stopping at Bouros Bay en-route. Tonight we stay in a waterfront hotel in Karystos. We can visit the famous Montofoli winery estate or enjoy an afternoon in Kohyli Coves which is walking distance from our hotel.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

8

Ferry to Rafina then transfer to Athens airport where our trip ends

Today we take the short taxi / minibus ride back to the ferry to Rafina. From there we transfer to Athens International Airport where the trip ends.

* The itinerary along the coast may vary depending on local weather conditions e.g. stopping points and nightstops may vary to the above descriptions.

Trip notes

Each departure date has its own dedicated trip note, detailing all you need to know about that trip. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Family Caique Cruise trip available at present.

Why Book this trip

This holiday is designed for families who want to relax and unwind in the beautiful Aegean Sea. A week's cruising along the coastline of Evia Island with its beautiful beaches, cafe culture with locally run taverns' and a sprinkling of historical attractions is sure to be attractive. Thanos, our Greek boat captain who has been working with Explore for many years, is sure to entertain and explain the sites and routing that he has been sailing along since he was a young boy.